Experience Details
Participating in three cross-country runs, including a 3 km run and two 5 km runs, was a challenge I never expected to take on. Running has never been my strength, but I wanted to push myself physically and mentally to improve my endurance and perseverance. My goal was not only to complete the runs but also to develop discipline and resilience through consistent training. I aimed to step out of my comfort zone, prove to myself that I could overcome personal limitations, and cultivate a stronger mindset.
Reflection on Learning Outcomes Achieved
LO 1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
As mentioned earlier, one of the reasons to take up cross-country was because I simply am terrible at running. I knew it was a weakness, and I wanted to work upon it. A month before the runs, I started training on the treadmill, pushing myself to run as much as I could to build stamina. Initially, it was very hard for me, I would run out of breath within minutes, and could barely even reach the 1 km mark. However, by implementing many strategies that I learnt and the repeated runs, I managed to complete all the runs. This experience definitely taught me that determination, persistence and consistency definitely pays results.
LO 2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
Undertaking this challenge was definitely scary, but it helped me develop new skills such as pacing, breath control, and mental resilience. I tried to learn an many strategies as I could and made sure to try each one of them to understand which works the best for me. I learned to push through discomfort and fatigue while staying focused on the goal. This experience showed me that challenges, while difficult, provide opportunities to acquire valuable skills and strengthen character.
LO 4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
The first cross-country run was the most tiring and hard. I wanted to give up after completing it and regretted trying it out. However, I pulled through and ran the next two runs, and I am very grateful that I did. My running time improved greatly and made me more confident. This experience taught me the idea that perseverance is key to overcoming challenges and achieving growth.
Learner Profiles Developed
Risk-Taker: I demonstrated the learner profile Risktaker by exploring an activity that I was completely new to and also was terrible at. I needed a lot of courage and determination because I was afraid to fail in front of others. However, with the support of others, I faced the challenge head-on, and gave my best.
Reflective: I demonstrated the learner profile Reflective by analysing my weaknesses and trying to work upon them. I also actively assessed my progress and tried to understand why I was getting tired so easily. I tried different strategies, and stuck with what worked for me. Reflecting on what was going wrong helped me improve and achieve a better result.
Principled: I demonstrated the learner profile Principled because I stayed commited to my progess and training. I gave my best efforts despite all the physical and mental challenges and ensured that I stuck with my goals and values.
Inquirer: I demonstrated the learner profile Inquirer because I explored, asked others, and researched for several different strategies to help increase my performance. This curiosity helped me understand more about running, breathe better, save more energy and how to physically prepare myself for the next run.
Final Takeaway
This experience was more than just completing three runs—it was about proving to myself that growth is possible with practise and efforts. I realized that stepping out of my comfort zone was neccessary for me to grow. I may not be a natural runner, but I became a more determined and disciplined individual through this journey.